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Still, Obama recognized the challenge European nations faced because each country has to separately approve any action to stabilize the fiscal union. Mindful of his audience of voters in the U.S., Obama said, "The best thing the United States can do is to create jobs and growth in the short term even as we continue to put our fiscal house in order over the long term." Obama urged Congress to focus on steps it could take to boost job creation and economic growth, pitching legislation he proposed months ago that has little chance of garnering Republican support in an election year. All sides at the G-20 summit seemed intent on sending confident signals to jittery markets and unhappy electorates. Underscoring the stakes, Obama broke from the main summit Tuesday for a brief meeting with leaders from Britain, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the European Union. Despite the words of unity, European leaders showed signs that they have heard enough about their troubles, particularly from Americans. Memories linger of the 2008 financial crash that was born in the United States and destroyed jobs and wealth.
"The eurozone has a serious problem, but it is certainly not the only imbalance in the world economy," Italian Prime Minster Mario Monti said. He said the United States' own financial problems were mentioned in G-20 talks "by almost everybody, including President Obama." European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso took an aggressive tone with reporters Monday, also pointing some blame at North America and saying, "Frankly, we are not coming here to receive lessons in terms of democracy."
[Associated
Press;
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